World Literature II covers major literary works from the 18th century to the present. You'll read novels, plays, and poetry from different cultures and time periods, exploring themes like colonialism, modernism, and globalization. The course dives into how historical events and cultural shifts influenced literature worldwide, and you'll analyze texts from various perspectives.

Is World Literature II hard?

World Lit II can be challenging, but it's not impossible. The reading load is heavy, and you'll need to keep up with a bunch of different authors and literary movements. Some texts might be tough to get through, especially if they're translations or use older language. But if you're into reading and discussing big ideas, you'll probably find it pretty interesting.

Tips for taking World Literature II in college

Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram for exams and get quick overviews of key concepts. 🌶️
Don't just skim the readings – take notes and jot down questions as you go.
Join a study group to discuss the texts and share interpretations.
Watch film adaptations of the books you're reading (like "Heart of Darkness" or "One Hundred Years of Solitude") to help visualize the stories.
Keep a timeline of literary movements and historical events to contextualize the works.
Use online resources like SparkNotes for quick summaries, but don't rely on them entirely.
Practice close reading techniques on shorter passages to improve your analysis skills.

Common pre-requisites for World Literature II

World Literature I: This course covers major works from ancient times to the 17th century. You'll read classics like "The Odyssey" and "The Tale of Genji."
Introduction to Literary Analysis: This class teaches you how to read critically and write about literature. You'll learn key terms and techniques for analyzing different genres.

Classes similar to World Literature II

Postcolonial Literature: Focuses on literature from countries that were once colonized. You'll explore themes of identity, power, and cultural hybridity.
Comparative Literature: Examines literature across different languages and cultures. You'll look at how similar themes and styles appear in works from various parts of the world.
Modern and Contemporary World Poetry: Dives deep into global poetry from the 20th and 21st centuries. You'll study poets like Pablo Neruda, Wisława Szymborska, and Derek Walcott.
Global Modernisms: Explores modernist literature from around the world. You'll read experimental works that challenged traditional forms and ideas.

English Literature: Focuses on analyzing and interpreting literature from various periods and cultures. Students develop critical thinking and writing skills while exploring diverse texts.
Comparative Literature: Examines literature across different languages, cultures, and time periods. Students learn to analyze texts in their original languages and explore cross-cultural literary connections.
Global Studies: Combines literature with history, politics, and cultural studies. Students gain a broad understanding of global issues through the lens of various disciplines, including literature.
Translation Studies: Focuses on the theory and practice of translating texts between languages. Students learn about the challenges of preserving meaning and style across linguistic and cultural boundaries.

What can you do with a degree in World Literature II?

Literary Translator: Translates literary works from one language to another, preserving the author's style and meaning. This job requires deep knowledge of both source and target languages and cultures.
Publishing Editor: Works with authors to develop and refine manuscripts for publication. Editors need strong analytical skills and a broad knowledge of literature to help shape compelling books.
International Relations Specialist: Uses cultural and literary knowledge to facilitate communication between different countries or organizations. This role involves understanding diverse perspectives and navigating complex global issues.
Cultural Critic: Analyzes and writes about literature, film, and other cultural products for magazines, newspapers, or online platforms. Critics need strong writing skills and the ability to contextualize works within broader cultural trends.